Liquid-feed-control device



July 1 5! 1930. G. F. FERGUSON l 1,770,591

LIQUID FEED CONTROL DEVICE Filed April 14. 192s au ATTORNEYS Patented July 15,1930

GEORGE F. FERGUSON, on JnRsnY ciTY, new JnRs'EY, assis-NOR To RarLWAY 1M- rRovnivrENT COMPANY, or NEW YORK, N. Y., A CORPORATION or NEW YORK LIQUID-TEED-CONTROL DEVICE Application led April 14, 17923. Serial No, 632,176.

This invention relates to liquid feed control devices.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved structure of devices for controlling the feed of lubricants or other liquids to render tie same more efficient and to compensate for irregularities in the operation thereof resulting from variations in internal pressure.

in other Words, l provide a compensator levice located preferably Within the tank or reservoir to be protected against variations of pressure, Which device acts primarily as a vacuum check or as a liquid control release valve.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists, substantially in the construction, combination, location and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be more fully hereinafter set forth as shown in the acccn'ipanying drawing, and finally pointed out the appended claims.

in the accompanying drawing Fig. l is aview in vertical longitudinal central section showing a lubricating device embed ing my invention applied in position for use in connection with a journal boX casor housing. K

n 2 is top plan vieu7 Of the same. l h ave shown my invention as applied to a lubricating device wherein the lubricantv is contained in a reservoir 5, which may be of y d sired size or shape according to the re- ,uireinents to be satisfied. The reservoir is shown provided with a refilling opening in top Wall Which is closed by a. removable 6. it will be noted that the reservoir 4is fr m me i the compensator or as modified the oil feed Opening under cert-ain fons. rllhe reservoir may be appliedand at achelto a journal box or housing '.7 in any uit-asie or convenient manner.

s A simple anc efiicient arrangement for this purpose is shown consistinew of a clamp bolt 8 arranged te entend into the .housing or box 7 and to be bolted or otherwise -secured therein. The shank of the clamp bolt engages or is con- Lected to the reservoir in any convenient Way.

In the arrangement shown a bushing 9 extends through the reservoir 5 and the shank of the bolt passes through this bushingr and a clamp nut l0 is applied to the threaded end thereof.

Extending into the reservoir is a control etube system consisting` of a control tube. il, Which extends into the reservoir through the top Wallthereof to a point near the bottom Wall, and a feed tube 12 of smaller diameter `which extends into the reservoir through its bottom Wall in line with and in telescopic relation to the control tube, said feed'tube delivering into the bei: or housing 7 When the device is in position for use in connection therewith. A supporting device 13 has one leg'thereof disposed in the control tube to extend beyond the lower open end of said tube, and 'the .other leg disposed to extend into the feed tube. A feed Wick le is carried Y by and has the ends anchored respectively to the ends of the legs of said support, thereby providing a capillary lift portion and a grav ity feed portion for said Wick, Which portions are respectively disposed in said control and feed tubes. A vent opening or passage l5 communicates between the upper end of the control tube and the outer air or atmosphere,in the instance shoivmrthrough the bushing 9 and the interior of the housing or box T, Y

The parts so far described in and of themselves form no part of my invention except in combination With the compensator feature hereinafter described. These parts, therefore, may be. varied throughout a Wide range Without aifecting my invention.

The practical operation of a lubricating device lof the type and structure above described, when applied in position for use is as follows: The plug 6 is removed and the reservoir 5 is filled with the lubricant.

as it yis being filled the lubricant will enter the control tube through its open end and will likewise .rise in said tube to an extent dependent upon the resistance of atmospheric pressure entering said tube through the vent opening l5. After the reservoir is lled the Eller plug 6 is inserted in the filler opening thereby sealing the reservoir absolutely the level of the lubricant rises inthe reservoir,

against atmospheric pressure, excepting as modified under certain conditions through the control tube 11 and by the compensator which is the subject of the present invention. The feed of the lubricant from the reservoir to the housing or box 7 is initiated by the capillary lift of that portion of the wick which is disposed in the control tube 11, and the gravity feed of that portion of the wick which extends down into the feed tube l2. When this feed is inaugurated it is continued and maintained by the combined action of siphonic capillarity and Gravity and is controlled by the balance established between the internal and external pressures. This balance of pressures is disturbed when, through the action of siphonic capillary feed, the level of the lubricant in the control tube is lowered to nearly or approximately the plane of the lower open end of the control tube. When thsoccurs air under the force of atmospheric rassure through the vent l5 s enabled to j reak down the surface tension of the lubri cant at the lower end of the control tube and enter the reservoir, bubbling up through the body of lubricant contained therein, thereby breaking, to the extent of the air thus admitted, the partial vacuum in the upper part of the reservoir, thereby permitting the level 0f the lubricant to correspondingly rise in the control tube shutting off the escape of air into the reservoir from the tube until the level in the tube is again lowered When the cycle of o eration again takes place. In this manner t e sup ly of lubricant from the reservoir to the earing to be lubricated is continuously and automatically maintained until the reservoir becomes exhausted and requires refilling. The rate of feed of the lubricant is controlled in various Ways, as, for example, by varying the effective height of the capillary lift, or by varying the relative bulks of the lift and gravity feed portions of the wick.

In the practical operation of lubricating devices of this nature it is exceedingly desirable and important, not only from the standpoint ofeciency but also from that of economy,that the supply of lubricant to a shaft, axle or other bearing should be continuous, constant and uniform in volume, under any given condition of speed, but of increased volumefas heat is developed in the bearing to be lubricated. Experience in the use and operation' of lubricatin devices of the vacuum feed"type such as a ove described has shown 4 that certain irregularities develop in the comparative rates of feed of the lubricant due to variations in the relative volumes of the partial vacuum space above the level of the, nbricant in the reservoir and the body of-lubricant. This variation is influenced more or less by varying temperature conditions. `It is well-known that a shaft, aXle or the like, in operation frequently generates that the irregularities observed in the feed of A lubricant from the feed devices of the nature above described are duc to the variations of expansion of the rarefied air (partial vacuum) in the reservoir above the level of the lubricant, caused by variations in tems peratures, including the effects of the heat generated by the operation of the shaft, axle or the like in its bearing, as Well as from temperature changes due to external. causes as weather conditions and from other sources,

and the influence thereof upon the internal pressure or partial vacuum in the reservoir. The effect of such heat is to increase the internal pressure which, acting against atmos pheric pressure supplied through the vent 15, tends to cause the level of the lubricant to rise in the control tube 1l to a point coincident with the level of the lubricant in the reservoir, and higher., and sometimes even to the point Where the lubricant overflows through the vent opening 15, thereby furnishing an excessive or wasteful` amount of lubricant to the journal box, or otherwise wasting the lubricant. Of course it will be understood that the rise in the levelof the lu bricant within the control tube causes, Within limits which are controllable, increase in the rate of feed of the lubricant by the Wick to the journal box, as above explained this increase inthe rate of feed is desirable where the increased internal pressure is the result of heat developed in the journal bearing, which creates a condition requiring an increase in the supply of lubricant. This excessive or wasteful amount of lubricantv so overfiowing through the vent tube l5 is dependent upon the relative voliunei of the vacuum space and the body of lubricant and also upon the extent of temperature variation or rise. Not only does thev rise of temperature affect the internal prcssiufe condition but it also affects the viscosity of the lubricant, and both these factors affect the rate of feed of the lubricant. It is among the special purposes of my present invention to provide means to eliminate this Waste. It is also among the special. purposes of my invention to provide means which while pre- Iventing' or tending to prevent overflow of the lubricant under excessive internal pressure conditions, Will also prevent the excessive rises or heads of lubricant within the control tube above the level of the lubricant Within the reservoir, and to insure a continuous feed and to provide means for controlling the rate of feed under variations, in tempera-- ture, but which will permit an increased feed as heat is developed in the bearin In order to accomplish these purposes, I provide a compensating device to eliminate the acloo cumulation of internal pressure within' the reservoir. This compensating device acts primarily as a vacuum checkinasmuch as it is used with a reservoir closed in Asuch manner that the 4feed of liquid is acted on by a bal-y ancing of pressures Within and without said reservoir and is in communication with the interior of said reservoir by having one of its members provided with a passage which contains a portion of the lubricant (or 'any other mobile medium) the' column height ofl which acts against the atmospheric pressure from outside the reservoirand successfully prevents outer air from entering the reservoir through said passage.

The compensatoract's also as a liquid relief valve as'it is in communication with the inside of the reservoir and any pressure developed within said reservoir in lexcess of mospheric pressure to an amount equal to that represented by the liquid column freight in the chamber will bubble through the liquid in the chamber and escape to the atmosphere. lt will be noted that passage 18 can be of any desired shape or area and the height can be any desired height to secure any liquid column connection with the degree of vacuum which is tobe held. More over, the liquid or mobile medium used can be of any desired speclic gravity thereby altering the degree of vacuum hold without changing' the structures. 'inaddition to this, the liquid can be selected with reference to its nonenity with the liquids in the reservoir or the volatile elements' of such liquid should it be desired to use my inif'ention in such a connection. Accordingly, my device is adaptable for use with liquid feed devices and. storage reservoirs of any capacity and purpose wherein the expansion of the enclosed gases above any predetermined. value is undesirable; and where' it is desired to clude the entrance of outer agir by sealing the container or reservoir and yet provide self-acting relief'means in. said reservoirs or containers.

rl`he primary elements ofthe compensating device consist of a chamber 16', a cup` or space 17, a communicating passage 18 between the chamber and cup or space referred to, and a passage 19, communicating between vthe chamber 16 and the outer air. The cup or space 17 should also communicate at its upper port-ion, as indicated at 20, with the interior of the reservoir. These primary elements of the compensator may be embodied in a wice variety of structures and arrangements for practical application to a feed device, such as, for example, a lubricating reservoir. lVhile, therefore, I have shown, and will now describe'o'ne embodiment thereof, I wish it to be understood that my invention in its broadest scope, as defined in the claims, is not to be limited or restricted to the enact structure and arrangement' shown and described. In the arrangement shown a plug 21 is extended through the top wall of the reservoir Y5, and is closed at its outer end and formed with a countersunk bore' at its inner end. This bore constitutes in this instance, the passage 19 which communicates with the atmosphere through a passage orf-vent 22, shown as leading into the bushing 9. The chamber 16 is shown, in this instancecas a tube 23, open at both ends and enlarged at its lower end. rl-he upper end of said tube is fixed within the counter-bore portion ofthe plug 21, the upper open end of the tube 23 opening into the passage 19. The cup or space 17 is shown in this instancea's being formed by a cartridge' shaped shell 24 having its open end telescoped over and secured to a neckl formed at the inner end of the plug 21. The lower port-ion of the kshell 24 surrounds' and enclosesy the enlarged part of chamber 16, leaving a space between the inner surface of the shell and outer surface of the cup at one side thereof, to form the passage 18 which edects communication between the cup or space 17 and the chamber 16.- The volume or capacity of the cup or space 17 should be greater than that of the passage 18, and the lower end ofthe passage 18 should be in sub"- stantially the same' plane with the normal level of the' lubricant in the controll tube 11, though this latter feature is not essential;

VVh'en 4the' reservoir is filled the lubricant will rise in the control tube 11 only'to the desired height against atmospheric pressure admitted through passage 15, which height is normally' in'` close proximity to the plane of the lower end of said tube. The' lubricant, however', will enter the compensating device from the reservoir, as the latter is filled, through the 'opening Q0, filling the cup or space 17, the passage 18 and the chamber 16 to a height coincident with that of the lubricantin the reservoir. The feed of the lubricant to the journal bony or bearing is initiated and thereafter maintained in the usual nia-nf ner, Without affecting or being affected by the compensator arrangement, until the level of the lubricant in the reservoir falls sufliciently to uncover the opening 20, or partially uncover the same, that is, in the illustrative arrangement shown, until the level of the lubricant in the reservoir falls to a point just below the upper edoe of the opening 20. When this occurs the tendency of the atmospheric pressure admitted to thecompe'nsator through passage 22 is to force the lubricant contained in the chamber 16 upwardly through passage 18, into cup 17 and thence intogthe reservoir through the uncovered area of the opening 20. This tendency is opposed by the pressure condition in the space in the reservoir above the level of the lubricant contained therein.A If this pressure condition within the reservoir is disturbed, for eX- am'ple, if the pressure i`s increased by reason llt) of the effects of thermal change through the generation of heat in the bearing, and its radiation or conduction to the reservoir, or otherwise, thereby expanding the air contained in the reservoir in the space above the level of the lubricant contained therein, such increased internal pressure may equal or excned the atmospheric admitted through passage 22. The result of such an internal pressure condition is that the lubricant tends to rise in the control tube to a level or height coincident with or above that of the lubricant in the reservoir, while at the same time the lubricant contained lin the cup or space 17 and passage 18 is forced down and into the chamber 16 of the compensator. The volumes ofthe chamber 16 and the passage 18 are so relatively proportioned that the height of level of the lubricant thus forced into the chamber 16 is very little above the lower end of the passage 18. Say, for example, about two tenths of an inch. The rise of the lubricant in the control tube is objectionable as it introduces an undesirable rate of feed of the lubricant to the bearing. Of course some increasein this rate of feed is desirable Where heat is developed in the bearing and the Y greater the heat developed in the bearing the ater should be the rate of supply of the ubricant. But such rate of feed should be graduated according to the needs and not subject to uncontrolled irregularity. If the internal pressure continues to build up to a point where the static balance between the same and atmospheric pressure causes too high a rise of lubricant in the control tube, such internal pressure will eventually break down the surface tension of the lubricant in thechamber 16, say the two tenths of an inch height of the same above the lower end of the passage 18, above referred to, thereby permitting the expanded air in the reservoir to bubble up through the lubricant in the Chamber 16, and escape to the atmosphere through the passagesl 19 and 22. When this takes place the level of the lubricant in the control tube 1l is at a height above that vof t-he lubricant in the reservoir corresponding exactly and no more, to the height of the lubricant in chamber 16 above the lower end of the passage 18. Thus it will be seen that the compensator supplies means to permit a bleeding off or relief of pressure from the reservoir in case of the development therein of excessive or abnormal pressure due to the effects of heat generated in the bearing to be lubricated, thereby preventing irregular or uncontrolled increase in the rate of feed of the lubricant while at the same time permitting a desirable but regulated and controlled rate of feed depending on and according to the degree of heat generated in the bearing. The bleeding off or relief of abnormal pressure developed in the reservoir,

as described, continues as long as the abnormal internal pressure conditions, or its cause, remains, or until the feed of the oil to the bearing so increases the space in the reservoir above the level of the lubricant therein as to cause such internal pressure to diminish to or below atmospheric pressure. When this takes place normal conditions are re-established, the level of the lubricant in the control tube 11 returning to its normal point closely adjacent the lower open end of said tube, and the lubricant in the chamber 16 being again forced by atmospheric pressure into passage 18, and into the cup or space 17.

The cooperative relation of the compensator with respect to the normal action of the feeder wick and control and feeder tubes will now be clearly understood. ln normal operation the level of the lubricant in the control tube is maintained by the static balance of internal and atmospheric pressures at approximately the lower open end of the control tube. Under this condition the lubricant is drawn from the reservoir by the lift- .rf

ing strands of the feeder wick which are disposed in the control tube 11 and protrudes beyond the lower open end of the same to the required distance. The lift is effected by capillarity in initating the feed and to a height determined by the structure and support 0f the wick, and thence such feed is by gravity down the delivery portion of the Wick into the journal box. After the initiation of the feed such feed is, automatically maintained by the combined action of siphonic capillarity, and static balance of internal and external pressures. When expansion takes place in the space within the reservoir above the level of lubricant contained therein, as for instance, by the development of heat in the bearing or otherwise, supply level rises in the control tube thereby diminishing the height of capillary lift of the lubricant, and hence increasing the rate of feed of the lubricant. An increase in the rate of feed in case the bearing becomes hot is desirable since the development of heat in the bearing indicates greater friction and this condition requires an increased supply of lubricant. Such increase in the rate of feed should not be carried to the point of excessive and wasteful feed as that would impair the usefulness and efficiency of the lubricating device.

While to some extent the relativeV number of packing strands in the gravity feed portion of the wick, and of lift strands in the capillary lift portion thereof, may control the rate of feed, nevertheless the compensating Vdevice as above described serves as a comlli) thereof with the normal feed action of the wick in such manner that the amountv of feed of the lubricant is dependent upon the work the bearing to be lubricated is called upon'to perform. And this control and regulation is effected automatically and without employing any moving inecl'ianical parts.

While l have described my invention with special reference to its application for use in feeding a lubricant to a bearing to be lubricated it is to be understood that in its broar est scope dedned in the claims l am not to be limited or restricted to such use as the principles involved may be applied for use in connection with the feed of liquids for other purposes and still secure the advantages and benefits above set forth.

Having now set forth the objects and nature of my invention, it is to be understood l that while I have shown and described one specific structure embodyingl the same my invention 1n its broadest scope is not to be hmited or confined to the specific structure shown but may be embodied within a wide variety of structures without departing from its spirit and scope.

But what I claim as new and useful and of my own invention, andV desire to secure by Letters Patent is l. in a liquid feed control apparatus, the combination with a reservoir normally closed to atmospheric pressure and means to automatically feed therefrom the liquid contained therein, of means to maintain a. mobile medium intermediate theinterior of the reservoir and the atmosphere, said mobile body operating to control the relief of excessive pressure from the reservoir.

2. In a liquid feed control apparatus, the combination with a reservoir normally closed to atmospheric pressure and means to automatically feed therefrom Vthe liquid contained therein, of a member having a space in communication with the reservoir, a cham ber in communication with the atmosphere, and a passage vcommunicating between the cup or space and the chamber.

3. ln a liquid feed control apparatus, ay

closed reservoir and a siphonic capillary feed device associated therewith, in combination with means to compensate for abnormal interior pressure developed within the reservoir, said means Vbeing rendered effectivel only upon upon abnormal conditions being developed. y

4. In a liquid feed control apparatus, a closed reservoir and a siphonic capillary kfeed device associated therewith, in combination with means to compensate for abnormal interior pressure developed within the reservoir, said means includingl a chamber communieating with the outer air, a. cup communicating with the interior of the reservoir, andY a passage communicating between the cup, and the chamber.

A.5. In al liquid feedcontrol apparatus, a closed reservoir and a siphonic capillary feed device associated therewith, in combination with means to compensate Vfor abnormal interior pressure developed within the reservoir,` said means including a chamber com-v municating with the outer air, a cup communicating with the interior of the reservoir, and a passage communicating between the cup, and the chamber, the volume of the cup exceeding that of said passage.

6. ln a liquid feed control apparatus, a closed reservoir, a siphonic capillary feed device' including afcontrol tube extending into the reservoir and having its lower open end terminating slightly above the bottom wall of thereservoir, a feed tube, and al feed wick, having'portions respectively disposed in said control and feed tubes, in combination with a means to provide a-cup-like space in com munication with the interior of the reservoir, a chamber in communication withthe atmosphere, and a passage communicating between the vapor space and the chamber. y Y

V7.- Vln a liquid feed controlapparatus, a closed reservoir, a siphonic capillary feeddevice including a control, tube extending into the reservoir and having its lower openend terminating slightly above the bottom wall of the reservoir, a feed tube, and a feed wick, having portions respectivelydisposed in said control and feed tubes, in combination with a means to provide a cup-like space in come munication with the interior of the reservoir, a chamber in communication with the atmosphere, and a passage communicating between the vapor space andthe chamber, the lower end of the saidpassage lying approximately in the plane of the lower end at said control tube. I j

' 8. In a liquid feed control apparatus, a closed reservoir, and means to release abnormal internal pressure therein, incuding a cup vcommunicating with said reservoir, a chamcup and the chamber in combination with means to feed the liquid from the reservoir by the combined action of internal and atmospheric pressures.

l0.` ln a liquid feed control apparatus, a closed reservoir, and means to release abnormal internal pressure therein, including a cup communicating with said reservoir, a chamber communicating with the outer air, and a passage communicating between the Cup and the chamber in combination with means to feed the liquid from the reservoir bythe combined action of interna-l and atmospheric pressures, including a control tube communicating with the atmosphere and also with the interior of the reservoir, a feed tube delivering from the reservoir and a siphonic capillar feed wick having portions res ectively disposed in said control andV feed tu es. `"11; In a liquid feed control apparatus, a closed reservoir, and means to release abnorlo mal Linternal pressure therein, including a space communicating with said reservoir, a chamber communicating with the outer air, and a passage communicating between the space and the chamber, in combination with u means to feed the liquid from the reservoir by the combined action of internal and atmospheric pressures, including a control tube anda feed tube telescoped into each other, said-control tube communicating with the atmos here, and a siphonic capillary feed wick aving portions respectively disposed in said tubes.

12; 'A compensator device for lubricating apparatus comprising a hollow cap member having an opening therein, a casing adapted to be closed by said cap member having a vent therein and a tube mounted in said casilngwand having aportion of reduced crosssectional area.

13. A compensator device for lubricating apparatus comprising a hollow cap member having an opening therein, a casing adapted to` be closed'by said cap member having a vnt therein and a tube having a reduced 3:, crdsssection supported by said cap within said` casing so as to terminate adjacent the ybottom of said casing, said tube having a 1ongitudinal groove in one wall thereof.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set m hand on this 10th day of April, A. D.

GEORGE F. FERGUSON. 

